Tonga’s National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) exceeded its authority when it imposed sanctions, while ‘Atenisi had an application for accreditation pending. In a Supreme Court judgment this week, Lord Chief Justice Whitten said that while the Act enables the board to make policies - it cannot create or confer on itself any power, which is not provided for by the Act or which contravene fundamental rights.
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Results for From the Courts
Friday 18 October 2019
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tuesday 15 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A jury trial against Viliami Mangisi (59)charged in relation to the seizure of 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine at Fua‘amotu International Airport in 2018, began at the Supreme Court today.

Tuesday 15 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The hearing of an ongoing court battle between Lord Sevele-‘O-Vailahi, the Chairperson with nine staff members of Tonga’s Pacific Games Organizing Committee, in a court case against the Kingdom of Tonga is scheduled to be heard by Lord Chief Justice M.H. Whitten QC, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court on 14 February 2020.

Monday 14 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The three men charged in the murder of a 35-year-old returning fruit picker at Holonga appeared at the Magistrate’s Court in Mu’a on October 9.

Monday 14 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The case against five men charged with the murder of Sione Feimoefiafi (49) in the Nuku'alofa CBD in February this year has been adjourned to October 21.

Saturday 12 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A Supreme Court ruling will be delivered on October 25 on an application by Lord Tu‘ivakano to strike out nine of the 15 charges against him, relating to the issuance of Tongan passports.

Thursday 10 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
'Alifeleti Katoa (44) was acquitted of possession of methamphetamine by a Supreme Court judge, after the Crown failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the charge against him.

Wednesday 9 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The illicit drugs case against Sione Filipe Jr has been adjourned again to November 18 at the Fasi Magistrate's Court.

Tuesday 8 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Government of Tonga and a newly created Tonga Ma‘a Tonga Rugby League (TMTRL) organisation have been prohibited by the Supreme Court from interfering in any affairs of the Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) body.

Tuesday 8 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Three men were arrested and charged with the murder of a 35 year old man at Holonga on Sunday, October 6.

Friday 4 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Seven people, including a suspended police officer arrested in a methamphetamine and cocaine bust last month, are expected to appear on November 25, at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court.

Friday 4 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Paula Naitoko (59), a former senior customs officer, is expected to appear back on October 28 at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court.

Thursday 3 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A 74-year-old man of Chinese origin was awarded $12,000 pa'anga in damages by the Supreme Court, for emotional suffering and injuries suffered, after being assaulted by his son-in-law in 2016.

Wednesday 2 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Ma‘ake Kali who was found guilty of the theft of goods valued at around $20,970 pa‘anga from a home in Pili, will be sentenced in November 1 at the Supreme Court.

Tuesday 1 October 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Five men charged with the murder of Sione Feimoefiafi (49) in February this year remain on the Supreme Court's “no fly” list and are prohibited from travelling outside of Tonga.

Monday 23 September 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Kelikupa Maile (33) from Longolongo was convicted of serious housebreaking and theft of goods valued at around $14,990 pa'anga from his neighbour's home in December last year.

Monday 23 September 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A five-years imprisonment sentence was imposed on a 66-year-old man who was convicted of incest in Tongatapu.

Saturday 21 September 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
An appeal against a Magistrate decision, which granted a bail variation to the Minister for Justice Hon Vuna Fa’otusia allowing him to travel outside of Tonga, was dismissed by a Supreme Court judge after finding the appeal was misconceived and had no merit.

Wednesday 18 September 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A reckless impatient driver caused the death of a child by overtaking and travelling at a speed through Tatakamotonga village in a vehicle that he knew had faulty brakes, The 28-year-old man was sentenced to two years six months imprisonment, which was fully suspended by the judge, who urged drivers to exercise more care and attention, “and most importantly restraint and patience,” with so many vehicles are on Tonga's roads.

Wednesday 11 September 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
An application by Lord Tu'ivakano to strike out several of the charges against him will be heard on October 9 at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.
